Dubai’s coastline will expand by 400 per cent by 2040

Dubai on Thursday announced a major plan to develop and expand the length of public beaches by 400 per cent by 2040, the Dubai Media Office (DMO) reported.

The new projects, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, include the development of enclosed beach areas, walkways, cafes and dining areas. The services offered at these venues will increase by 300 per cent.

This came as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, drove down to the Jebel Ali Beach and met top officials associated with the Dubai Urban Plan 2040.

He shared a video that showed Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, releasing turtles into the sea. The Dubai Ruler is seen applauding as the turtles swim away to start a new life.

“Within the Dubai Urban Plan, we have adopted the development and doubling of public beaches by 400% by 2040, which will increase its area from 21km now to 105km and raise the percentage of services by 300% on public beaches by 2025,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote on Twitter.

“We launched the first urban plan in Dubai in the 1960s. Development in Dubai is continuing and we are still at the beginning. We will continue to provide the best standard of living for individuals and families in services and projects globally,” Sheikh Mohammed posted on Twitter.

“The new urban projects in the emirate will continue to impress and will support our economic and tourism agenda for the next decade,” he said.

“Dubai will continue to compete with itself to be the ideal place for visitors and residents.”

The comprehensive Dubai 2040 Urban Plan laid out the future of the emirate's sustainable urban development.

Its aim is to transform the emirate and create an interconnected, people-led city that balances community with tourism and modernity with heritage and nature.